HD problems

I have a hitachi 250 gigs that just wont format i tryed to format it but it just wont do, im running a win vista amd x2 4000+ 1 gig of ram etc i tryed a low level format tool and it took me like 8 hours to manifest the first bar and on that time i couldn't use my pc at all it suckd well i couldn't handle it so i somehow cancel'd it and if u have any advice at all email me mack_the_lord@hotmail.com and a have another 250 gig HD maxtor that i put it on an external HD case and it looks like something happen with the power and now everytime i connet the HD to a power source like my pc power supply the pc dont start , im living in a shity country so hd repairs are not that easy to do what i need is a comfirmation if i can repair or not because here it looks like its cheaper to buy a new one